An Act to reinvest justice and opportunity in communities affected by incarceration

This bill creates a new Strong Communities and Workforce Development Fund to support job training and employment programs in areas heavily impacted by incarceration and poverty. Money for the fund will be generated by calculating the cost savings from a reduction in the state prison population and transferring half of those savings to the fund annually. A seven-member board, comprised of advocates from disadvantaged communities, will oversee the fund and ensure grants go to projects that help young people, victims of violence, and others facing barriers to work. The legislation aims to reinvest resources directly into communities affected by the criminal justice system to foster economic opportunity.